Breakout game for Christian McCaffrey? Panthers vs Saints

Carolina Panthers fans are anxious for a breakout game from first round draft pick Christian McCaffrey. As it so happens, they may get their wish this Sunday when the Panthers line up against the New Orleans Saints.

A quick glance at the stat sheet reveals one key reason McCaffrey may have a special day. The New Orleans Saints are the worst in the NFL at covering running backs out of the backfield. Through two games, runners have gashed them for 19 receptions and 185 yards. Just another reason the Saints feature the worst defense in the NFL currently and primed to see a Panthers offensive resurgence.

As far as the Carolina Panthers are concerned, this should be low hanging fruit in their offensive game plan. Christian McCaffrey has the exact skill set needed to exploit this defensive weakness. Once in the open field, the Saints lack the talent on defense to contain McCaffrey in space. Translation: Big yards, Big plays, Big points.

Of course, this is assuming the Panthers can effectively execute on offense, something they have struggled with so far this season. One needs only to look at the last offensive play against the Bills, a failed Newton to McCaffrey pass, to realize things often times are easier said than done.